September is National Preparedness Month, a perfect time to build your financial safety net. Having funds to fall back on provides peace of mind and protects you from debt during unexpected events. We’ll explain why a separate emergency fund is so important and how it differs from your regular savings account.
Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is money you specifically set aside to cover real emergencies. These could be things like losing a job, unexpected car repairs, or medical bills.
Keep your emergency fund in a safe, easily accessible place, such as a high-yield savings account at a trusted bank or credit union. The priority here isn’t high interest, but having reliable cash immediately available during a crisis. It’s best to keep this money separate from your regular savings to avoid the temptation of using it for non-emergencies and to maintain a clear understanding of your emergency funds.
How much should be in your emergency savings fund?
The exact amount will differ for everyone, but a common guideline is to have enough to cover your essential living expenses (like rent, food, utilities, work transport) for about 3 to 6 months.
Savings Account
Your regular savings account is where you keep money you’re setting aside for specific things you want or need in the future. These could be things like saving for a down payment on a house, a well-deserved vacation, education costs, or even just building up a general pot of money for longer-term plans.
Unlike your emergency fund, which is for unexpected crises, a savings account is focused on helping you reach your goals. You might put money into it regularly, knowing you’ll need it for something specific down the line.
You’ll find savings accounts at most banks and credit unions. They often offer some interest on the money you keep there, which is a nice bonus that helps your savings grow over time. There can be different types of savings accounts, some with better interest rates or different rules about when you can take money out. The main idea is to have a safe place to grow your money for those things you’re looking forward to.
Why having both funds matters
While both are ways to save money, your emergency fund and your regular savings serve different, important purposes. You benefit from having both in place.
Your emergency fund is for immediate unplanned needs. Without it, you might have to go into debt or use your other savings for these emergencies. It’s there to help you handle the unexpected without derailing your financial life.
Your regular savings account is for your future goals. If you only had an emergency fund, you might be tempted to use it for these planned expenses, leaving you unprepared for a real emergency.
Having both types of savings means you’re prepared for the unexpected while still working towards your goals.
Smart ways to save for both funds
Building both an emergency fund and a regular savings account takes a bit of planning, but it’s doable. Here’s how you can approach saving for each:
Building your emergency fund:
- Start small, think big: Don’t feel like you need to have thousands saved overnight. Begin with a small, achievable goal, like $500 or $1,000. Every little bit counts and builds momentum.
- Automate contributions: Just like you might automate bill payments, set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your emergency fund each payday. Even a small weekly or bi-weekly amount will add up over time.
- Cut unnecessary expenses: Take a look at your spending and see where you can trim the fat. Maybe it’s eating out less, canceling subscriptions you don’t use, or finding cheaper entertainment options. Put that saved money directly into your emergency fund.
- Dedicate windfalls: When you receive unexpected money, like a tax refund, a bonus at work, or a gift, consider putting a significant portion (or all of it) towards your emergency savings.
- Make it a priority: Treat your emergency fund contributions like a non-negotiable bill each month. It’s an investment in your future financial security.
- Track your progress: Seeing your emergency fund grow can be really motivating. Use a spreadsheet or a budgeting app to keep track of your progress towards your target amount.
Building your regular savings accounts:
- Set clear goals: Decide what you’re saving for (house down payment, vacation, etc.) and how much you’ll need. Having a specific goal makes saving more focused.
- Create separate savings buckets: If you’re saving for multiple goals, consider opening separate savings accounts or using sub-accounts within your main savings. This helps you track progress for each goal.
- Calculate what you need to save regularly: Once you know your goal amount and your timeline, figure out how much you need to save each week or month to reach it.
- Automate, automate, automate: Just like with your emergency fund, automate regular transfers to your goal-based savings accounts. This “pays your future self” automatically.
- Review and adjust: Periodically check your progress towards your savings goals. If you’re falling behind, see if you can adjust your contributions or timeline. If you reach a goal, celebrate and then set a new one!
- Consider higher-yield options: For longer-term savings goals where you might not need the money immediately, explore options like high-yield savings accounts or Certificates of Deposit (CDs) to potentially earn more interest.
The key is to make saving a consistent habit for both your emergency fund and your regular savings. Even small, regular contributions can make a big difference over time, building your financial security and helping you achieve your dreams.
Final thoughts
Being prepared means more than just having supplies; it includes your money. Having both an emergency fund and a separate savings account gives you a solid financial base. During National Preparedness Month, make it a priority to start, or check in on these different types of savings. Even if you are facing challenges with debt, it’s important to have savings in place. Adjust your plans as needed, and know that every step you take builds greater security for whatever the future holds.
